I have officially given up on catching up with posts from old friends and new followers. I came back from my trip with too much in my in-box, so here’s a message to you all:

You are all beautiful people and my very best of friends, except for that one, and you know who you are. I think you are all brilliant and worthy of following, and someday (when I am less disingenuous than right now) we will meet up, have an awesome time, and put each other in our wills!

Okay, that should satisfy any blogger etiquette requirements and assuage my tremendous guilt.

If any of you were incredibly brilliant in a post while I was away and really think that I should see it, message me and bribe me with coffee and chocolate!

Isn’t it funny how we feel guilty for not living up to the high standards we set for ourselves, and we don’t want to let anyone down? Had you not taken that “extended” vacation, you would not be having this problem! 😉 Another blogger once told me, as I rued not getting caught up, bloggers are more forgiving than we are to ourselves. It is ok to start anew. We’re just glad you’re back.

I guess it is because I do value the contact and showing appreciation. If you follow someone and comment and they never interact with you, you are left wondering if there is any connection at all. I have one like that and it surprised me when out of the blue she said how much she looks forward to my comments and affirmations. But she had never responded before in any way. I just figure folks aren’t necessarily mind readers. But that said . . . 🙂 I emptied a bunch from my in-box for a fresh start.

DOG PILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought by now I would be working less, sipping gourmet coffees, sitting on a bay window ledge, looking at nature, and thinking profound thoughts. Instead, I fight to find time to be creative in-between all the obligations and work, and am trying to just survive! You don’t plan for economic crisis or lay-offs or aches and pains. I guess I have been a dreamer. But I will still fight to keep some of the dreams alive and keep capturing my world in pictures. It gives me breath. Help, Lord.

For me blogging has taken a back seat. Just been thinking how much is it really worth. I’ve done a little, but not like I used to and I am now finding time to do other things. Someone gave me a quilting frame, so I’ve been learning the fine art of stitching my fingers into the project and wonder if it really is worth it. 😀

If I could, I’d gladly give you some coffee and chocolate, not for a bribe, but just to get the temptation out of the house. HA! I have actually gone a day or two without coffee. Have you ever drank Dandy Blend? That tastes like a really bad instant coffee, even with cream and sugar.

Get done all that you need to. I am so glad you were able to get away to visit your mom. That is so precious. I wish I have a good relationship with my mother, but it is not to be at this time. God is sufficient.

It was a good time, but sad, too–not only for her but all those in the home that have lost so much mental and physical facility. They all have stories and have had skills. I am glad I, along with others in my family, have captured the words and pictures so as not to lose the rich spiritual legacy. I have had wonderful parents, and I treasure what they have given me.

I enjoy blogging, but I really do try to keep it in balance with other things I must do. At least most of the time. I just came home not feeling well and with a pile of work staring me down, so cleaning out the in-box seemed a reasonable thing to do. I do miss your regular blogs.

Hope you had a great Christmas season. One of these days I will get back to quilting, too.